Want a 2-axis CNC router... any suggestions?
#1
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Want a 2-axis CNC router... any suggestions?
I have an SLA and filament 3D printer, have a good command of a CAD program, been designing lots of things, but want to be able cut ply, G10 and carbon. Like to keep it under $2500. 2' square table would be about right. Anyone have one they like?
#3
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What's your familiarity with these animals?
If you are inclined you certainly can save some money and build it yourself and get a lot bigger X-Y table. There are varying levels of complexity, ranging from "kits" to buying all the pieces separately. However if you're not inclined to to the hobby-building thing, you can still get some off-the-shelf ones for less than $2500 (CNC-Shark, etc.).
I renovated an old Isel; 2.5D, meaning it's a 2D router with some Z movement. I am using a Hobby CNC board (they're still around, BTW), but given the funds would certainly have gone with Gecko controllers and when I burn the controller out, I'll just switch. But, that's the only regret I have in my build so far.
When shopping, the biggest deal is checking out the software chain it uses and is compatible with. Mine goes: AutoDesk Inventor; AutoDesk CAM; Mach 3. I'm a neophyte with Inventor, however. Mach 3 seems to be pretty dang easy for everything it does and the price. A lot of the of-the-shelf, complete CNC routers use proprietary software. Using Mach 3 to control it (or similar general-controller software), opens up the types of files and custom drawings you can do. Some of the custom controller software might import vector files. This is what I'd look for.
A good place to start on kits is:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/
TONS of very good tutorials.
Forum: www.CNCZone.com
What drawing software are you using?
If you are inclined you certainly can save some money and build it yourself and get a lot bigger X-Y table. There are varying levels of complexity, ranging from "kits" to buying all the pieces separately. However if you're not inclined to to the hobby-building thing, you can still get some off-the-shelf ones for less than $2500 (CNC-Shark, etc.).
I renovated an old Isel; 2.5D, meaning it's a 2D router with some Z movement. I am using a Hobby CNC board (they're still around, BTW), but given the funds would certainly have gone with Gecko controllers and when I burn the controller out, I'll just switch. But, that's the only regret I have in my build so far.
When shopping, the biggest deal is checking out the software chain it uses and is compatible with. Mine goes: AutoDesk Inventor; AutoDesk CAM; Mach 3. I'm a neophyte with Inventor, however. Mach 3 seems to be pretty dang easy for everything it does and the price. A lot of the of-the-shelf, complete CNC routers use proprietary software. Using Mach 3 to control it (or similar general-controller software), opens up the types of files and custom drawings you can do. Some of the custom controller software might import vector files. This is what I'd look for.
A good place to start on kits is:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/
TONS of very good tutorials.
Forum: www.CNCZone.com
What drawing software are you using?
#5
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Yeah - thanks for that "...I remember way, way, waaaayyy back in the good old days..." - sigh. Just reminds me of what I HAVEN'T done in the hobby since. And how old I am! :-) Oh well -
You see, I picked up a used set of those retracts (actually well made, BTW) and remember that thread.
CNC has changed a LOT since then. Lot of Chinese manufacturers now; almost all the stepper motors, etc. are Chinese. Not too bad (affordable), just have to be careful what you buy, especially the electronics.
You see, I picked up a used set of those retracts (actually well made, BTW) and remember that thread.
CNC has changed a LOT since then. Lot of Chinese manufacturers now; almost all the stepper motors, etc. are Chinese. Not too bad (affordable), just have to be careful what you buy, especially the electronics.
#9
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Hey Mike I know a local guy that makes CNC routers here in Coeur d'Alene. His name is Joe and I can put you in touch with him if your interested. At least support would be close and in English! His is pretty nice because you can use any tool on the head that you want from a laser to a router to a 3D printer nozzle. I've seen one in person and it's pretty straight forward and easy to use.
Let me know and I'll get his info for you.
Let me know and I'll get his info for you.
#10
2 axis = laser head. Avoid cutting composite plates with these unless you don't mind the burning smell and burned cutting lines ( as well as small risk of fire, but that can be managed ).
If you want a milling head, you need a 3 axis router.
Openbuilds have all kinds of kits available on their forum...
If you want a milling head, you need a 3 axis router.
Openbuilds have all kinds of kits available on their forum...
#11
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#12
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Thanks guys, I do not want to mill metal. Just cut plates. It has to work with fusion 360. I'm not opposed to building a kit. Im I going to end up with a PC attached to it? Both of my 3D printers will take the download and I can pull the computer. Just trying to keep the footprint smaller.
Chris, I would be interested in talking to your friend.
Chris, I would be interested in talking to your friend.
#13
We bought a Stepcraft 840 at work. Not a good experience so far. We have not been able to adjust the long axis, so that it doesn't bind at some point. Tiny Nema 17 motors, driving via thin belts, make it clear that it comes from a "maker" and 3d-printer environment. For the price, the could also have put ball screws on it.
Lars
Lars
Checkout stepcraft.
#14
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If you do a kit, you'll definitely have a PC attached to it, be running Mach 3 (or similar) and need some type of CAM software to compliment Fusion 360 - I think, unless Fusion builds CAM in like Inventor does. Off the shelf there are some routers also provided and supported by Rockler and Woodcraft but are pretty pricey for what you get. The upside is that they are fully supported and fairly guaranteed to work for you.
#15
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Fusion does have the CAM stuff... have not played with it though. Nice thing about 3D printing, no tool path or moving work piece around, just figure out where supports are least annoying and press play. :-) But ABS is about the strongest thing I can use, there is carbon infused ABS, but haven't seen the numbers on how much stronger it is.
#16
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For 2 axis you are looking at laser's. 3-axis would be minimum for CNC. I built mine from Joes plans and kit. Very happy with it. I am actually in the middle of gathering parts to upgrade it to the EVO series which is all aluminum.
This is my machine as it stands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkQiNvztxZo
This is my machine as it stands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkQiNvztxZo
#18
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google up cnc6040 .. i have used mine with great results and it is cheap ( Chines of course ... ) ... if i was to do it over again however for a 3D set up , i would go with a kit from https://www.cncrouterparts.com .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYSU-OupHuA
there are things you can do with a laser (2 1/2 D ) however that you cant with a router ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-YFPVEg8nQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYSU-OupHuA
there are things you can do with a laser (2 1/2 D ) however that you cant with a router ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-YFPVEg8nQ
#20
The vertical axis is usually the Z-axis.
You want it to at least lift when it moves from part to part, or have multiple cut levels.
That type of work is often referred to as 2.5D
Lars
You want it to at least lift when it moves from part to part, or have multiple cut levels.
That type of work is often referred to as 2.5D
Lars
#21
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This looks good. And they advertise fusion 360 CAM with it.... I have that program, just haven't used it. Very comfortable with designing 3D with Fusion 360.
http://www.cncrouterparts.com/bencht...kit-p-369.html
Duh on the y-axis for cutting holes... LOL
thanks guys, great info....
http://www.cncrouterparts.com/bencht...kit-p-369.html
Duh on the y-axis for cutting holes... LOL
thanks guys, great info....